Whistler 42-10-04 ep021 Urge to Kill

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Whistler 42-10-04 ep021 "Urge to Kill"
Air Date: August 24, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode features the classic Old Time Radio suspense thriller "The Whistler" in an episode titled "Urge to Kill" (originally broadcast October 4, 1942). The story centers on Henry Drake—co-owner of a successful wartime factory—who is plagued by lapses in memory, disturbing urges, and growing suspicion about those around him. Through a tense psychological journey, the show explores themes of mental health, trust, guilt, and deception, ending with a shocking twist about Henry’s true motives.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

1. Introduction of the Main Conflict

• Henry Drake suffers from strange memory lapses, blackouts, and an overpowering “urge to hurt someone.”
  • “I get a terrible feeling of depression. And then this awful urge comes upon me. The urge to hurt someone. The urge to inflict pain.” — Henry Drake [00:58]
• His partner Phil notices Henry’s growing unreliability: misplaced contracts, confusion, and disorientation.
  • Henry doesn’t remember receiving or reading a crucial contract, nor can he account for his previous night’s whereabouts. [03:05–04:18]
• Rita, his wife, and the secretary Ethel, are drawn into concern as Henry’s behavior grows erratic.

2. Psychological Examination

• Henry consults Dr. Schultz, a state psychiatrist, revealing his “blackouts” and fears about hurting others.
  • “I wake up in the morning and can’t remember what happened the night before… headaches, flashes before my eyes…” — Henry Drake [06:53]
• Dr. Schultz suspects Henry is withholding something and demands total honesty.
  • “Leave and don’t come back until you decide to tell me the truth.” — Dr. Schultz [09:56]
• Under pressure, Henry admits:
  • “I get this terrible feeling of depression. Then slowly, gradually, the urge comes to me... The urge to what? The urge to hurt someone.” — Henry Drake [10:50–10:56]
• Dr. Schultz prescribes rest and absence from work, hinting at not believing Henry’s insanity claim.

3. Strange Events at Home

• During Rita’s absence at a card game, Henry is found missing, only to turn up wet and muddied, with no recollection of going out. [14:06–14:50]
• Rita becomes alarmed by repeated mysterious nighttime disappearances and urges Henry to seek further help.
• Henry suggests Rita take a vacation, insisting, “You’re becoming upset because of me, and I think you’d worry less if you got away for a few days.” — Henry Drake [16:41]

4. The Death of Duke, the Family Dog

• The next morning, the butler, Jackson, reports that Duke, Rita’s Airedale, has been strangled. [18:54–19:10]
• Henry’s immediate fear is that he is responsible, given his hurting hands and inability to recall the night’s events.
  • “I must have done it… because of my hands. The muscles are terribly sore, as though I’d been doing something strenuous… Look at this mark on my thumb. It’s a long cut, as though something… sharp dragged across it.” — Henry Drake [20:22–20:46]

5. Psychiatric Testing and Investigation

• Dr. Schultz conducts further psychological tests and associative word-response drills; Henry's responses suggest underlying stress and confusion. [21:44–22:28]
  • Notable word-association:
    • “Dog.” — “Hands.”
    • “Rain.” — “Mud.”
    • “Love.” — “Hate.”
• Rita leaves for Miami, further isolating Henry and intensifying his paranoia.

6. Confrontation and Deadly Climax

• That night, Henry visits Phil’s apartment, accusing him of lying and of an affair with Rita.
  • “Rita’s gone to Miami. Why don’t you go to Miami, too?… You and Rita are in love. I know it. I’ve known it for weeks and weeks.” — Henry Drake [24:47]
• Henry’s paranoia crescendos; he reveals he’s been spying on phone calls and is convinced of their betrayal.
• In a tense standoff, Henry pulls a gun on Phil, who tries to call the police. A shot is fired off-mic; Phil is presumably murdered. [27:00–27:53]

7. Revelation and Trial

• The Whistler reveals Henry’s “insanity” performance has been part of a calculated plan to avoid conviction for murder.
  • “A slick job, Henry, and very beautifully planned. Everyone knows about your mental lapses, your illness, your desire to harm people.” — The Whistler (Narrator) [28:02]
• Dr. Schultz testifies in court, declaring Henry absolutely sane, with evidence of premeditation.
  • “Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder.” — Dr. Schultz [28:40]

8. The Sinister Moral

• The Whistler concludes: "Well, there you go, Henry. The whole thing blew up in your face. A beautiful plan gone haywire. You should have spent less time thinking about your revenge... and more time studying psychology. Too bad." — The Whistler (Narrator) [29:09]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On self-doubt and guilt:
  • “I don’t remember. Maybe I did. I’ve got to hurry. My train leaves in half an hour… There’s no train for Boston for three hours. But the train to Miami leaves in half an hour.” — Henry Drake’s increasingly frantic paranoia [25:31–25:48]
• On planning a defense:
  • “Your plea will be insanity. You’ll go away for a while, and then all of a sudden you’ll be cured and walk out a free man.” — The Whistler (Narrator) [28:26]
• On the failed deception:
  • “Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder.” — Dr. Schultz [28:40]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:58] Henry reveals urge to inflict pain
• [03:05–04:18] Henry’s memory lapses revealed
• [06:53–10:50] Dr. Schultz’s psychiatric interview
• [14:06–14:50] Rita confronts Henry’s strange behavior
• [18:54–19:10] Discovery of the strangled dog
• [20:22–20:46] Henry confesses fear to Dr. Schultz
• [21:44–22:28] Psychological word-association testing
• [24:23–27:53] Showdown with Phil, accusation of affair, murder
• [28:26–29:09] Courtroom twist; revelation of sanity and premeditation

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Tone & Language

The tone is tense, suspenseful, and laced with classic noir-era fatalism. Dialogue is clipped, urgent, and emotionally fraught, painting Henry Drake as both a desperate victim of his own mind and ultimately, a cold manipulator. The twist ending delivers a harsh, moral comeuppance in the style of The Whistler’s cautionary tales.

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In short:
"Urge to Kill" is a masterful psychological thriller—one where madness, guilt, and intrigue entwine, only to reveal a chilling scheme for murder and escape through feigned insanity. The Whistler, as always, acts as omniscient narrator, reminding listeners that in the end, no clever plan outsmarts fate or justice.

Transcript

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[Henry Drake]

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[Henry Drake]

Wait a minute. Have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I'm the Whistler.

[Henry Drake]

I get a terrible feeling of depression. And then this awful urge comes upon me. The urge to hurt someone. The urge to inflict pain.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

The urge to kill.

[Henry Drake]

Another Sunday night and again, CBS presents the Whistler.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I, the Whistler, know many things. For I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And so I tell you tonight the unusual tale. The urge to kill. Henry Drake sits in his big office, staring out over the smoking stacks of his busy factory. Production is at its peak. The demands of the past year have brought untold problems to his desk and placed heavy loads on his shoulders. Henry Drake and his partner, Philip Putnam, had started this factory five years ago and built it into a smooth running, highly profitable organization. Now the added demands of war have more than trebled the production and the worries as well. Phil had put up most of the money and Henry the brains. It was Henry who always had to make the decisions. But now something is happening to Henry. He is beginning to slip. His memory is playing tricks on him.

[Rita Drake]

Good morning, Mr. Drake.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, morning, Ethel.

[Rita Drake]

Mr. Putnam wants to know if you studied those contracts last night.

[Henry Drake]

Contracts? What contract?

[Rita Drake]

Why, the ones he gave you last night. You said you'd take them home. They must be signed by noon.

[Henry Drake]

Contracts? Why, I don't know what you're talking about. When did Phil give me any contracts?

[Rita Drake]

What? Just before you left last evening.

[Henry Drake]

Well, that's funny.

[Rita Drake]

Don't you remember?

[Henry Drake]

What? Remember? Well, yes, I do remember. Now. Yes. Yes, of course.

[Rita Drake]

Well, may I have them?

[Henry Drake]

Well, let me see. What on earth did I do with them? Oh, tell Mr. Putnam to step in here.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Mr. Drake? Mr. Drake would like to see you, Mr. Putnam.

[Henry Drake]

I'll be right in. I'll ring if I need you, Ethel.

[Rita Drake]

All right.

[Henry Drake]

Good morning, Henry. What's up? Why, about those contracts you gave me yesterday evening. Just what were they about? What? What do you Mean, haven't you read them? No. No, I haven't. Good heavens, man. They were supposed to be signed by noon today and it's 10 o' clock now. Now, where are they? I don't know where they are, Phil. I can't find them. I'm sure I didn't take them home. Oh, you must have. Strange. I can't remember a thing about them. Well, what did you do after you left here? Where'd you go? Why, I went home. That is, I think I did. Think you did? What's the matter with you, Henry? I don't know, Phil. I can't seem to recall a thing I did last evening. Are you kidding? Certainly not. Why should I kid about such a thing? Well, don't get sore about it. Certainly ridiculous. This is a serious situation. I know, Phil. I know that better than you do. Well, call you home. They've got to be there. Have Rita send them over by special messenger.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Drake]

Get Mrs. Drake on the phone. You know, it looked very well, Henry, you're as pale as a ghost. Look at the perspiration. What's wrong with you, man? I don't know. I really don't know. I feel terrible and my eyes are bothering me. Bright flashes keep passing in front of me and my ears drop. Hello, Rita, this is Phil. Henry brought a contract home to study last evening. Look around and see if you can find it. It's very important. In a blue binder, about 20 pages. What? I see. Thanks. She's in the library now. Oh, yes. You can't. Yes, I see. Really? Well, all right. Now call me back. Well, what about it? You have no idea what happened to you after you left here last evening at 6. Did I leave at 6? Certainly. So did I. She said you didn't come home for dinner. She decided to go to the opera. When she came back at 12. You didn't come in until one said your shoes and trousers were all covered with mud. You went straight to bed. Was it raining last night? Of course it was. I don't remember that. Rita's going to look in the coat and suit you were wearing last night. She'll call me back. What on earth is happening to me? Where could I have gone? Yes. Yes, Rita, you couldn't. I see. Very well. Thanks. Goodbye. Not a trace of the contract. Now what? Phil, I've got to tell you this. This isn't the first time this has happened. It's been going on for weeks. About twice every week a terrible depression comes over me. And then when I wake up I can't for the life of me remember what happened the night before. Well, maybe the strain has been too much. You better see a doctor at once, Henry. I know I should, but I'm afraid to. Why? I'm afraid of what he might tell me. Nonsense. Go and see a doctor right now. I'll go down to your place and search it from top to bottom. Very well, Phil. I'll go now. I'll be back as soon as I can.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Henry stumbles in a daze from his office and walks about the city for an hour trying to make up his mind to see a doctor. He doesn't have the courage to tell his own doctor, so he finally decides to visit a psychiatrist. Then he remembers the name of one of the most famous in the country. Dr. Schultz, the state psychiatrist.

[Henry Drake]

I know you're not a general practitioner, Dr. Schultz. As a state psychiatrist. I know you're a busy man, but I've read a few of your books and I thought you'd be willing to help me. Well, ordinarily I wouldn't, Mr. Drake, but I know who you are and what you've been doing. I'll do what I can. Thank you, Doctor. You say you have lapses of memory? Yes. I wake up in the morning and can't remember what happened the night before. In the morning I have headaches and see strange flashes before my eyes and hear throbbing noises. How often does this occur? About twice a week. But I remember everything I do during the day. Have you ever had a serious ailment? No. Ever had an accident, Anything that might have caused a concussion? Well, not that I remember. I may have had as a child. Have you been working under an exceptional mental strain? Yes. Yes, I have. The pressure has been more than doubled for the last year. The problems have been so heavy that I've been unable to sleep. I've studied them until dawn, until finally I was unable to remember them. You don't go to sleep easily. No, not till very late, from all appearances. I wander about until 1 o' clock in the morning. Where? I don't know. You're married? Yes. What does your wife think of your strange behavior? Well, naturally, she doesn't like it. She says I walk in and go to bed without saying a word. So now she doesn't even ask where I've been. Are you and your wife incompatible? Well, somewhat. Have you ever been interested in another woman? I have. Not any children? No. Have you ever been caught in a predicament where you were forced to do something dishonest in order to escape A severe penalty. What do you mean? Well, I'll put it another way. Do you fear anything or anybody? No. Do you hate anything or anybody? Yes. Lately, I dislike my work, my business, intensely. Why? I don't know why. Maybe I've had too much of it. Who is closest to you in your work? Well, I have a partner and we have a secretary. And who are they? My partner is Philip Putnam. My secretary is Hethel Watson. Oh, you both have the same secretary? Yes. That way we keep things more orderly. Mm. Could you get along without her? Why? Never thought of it. She's very capable. But I suppose I could get along without her. Does your partner have as much responsibility in the business as you? I do most of the mental work. You resent that? You mean, do I think he should take more responsibility? Yes, I do. But he isn't capable. Plays golf and takes days off at a time. Yes, I do resent that. I know nothing can be done about it. Is your partner married? No. For a while I thought he and our secretary were growing fond of each other. But in the last few months it seems to have cooled. Are your financial affairs in order? Exceptionally so. Never better. Are you worried about the outcome of the war? No. No more than anyone else. I realize. It'll keep every nose to the grindstone. And you drink? I'm temperate. Probably a little more of late. Never took narcotic? No. No. I've tried sleeping tablets, but they did me no good. I see. Have you anything further to add to this discussion? I know. Then I must ask you to leave and not come back. What? What do you mean, Doctor? Just that. Leave and don't come back until you decide to tell me the truth. But. But I have been telling you everything I know. No, you haven't. There's something you've been withholding. Good day. Wait a minute. What are you trying to say? I'm not trying to say anything. I've told you that you're holding something back. Some fear that you don't want known. But if you want me to help you, you'll have to divulge everything.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

All right.

[Henry Drake]

I thought maybe you could help me without my telling, but. All right, I'll tell you what it is. That's better. It happens on these mornings when I fail to remember what has occurred the night before. It happens during these spells of flashes and noises. What happens?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I get this terrible feeling of depression. Then slowly, gradually, the urge comes to me.

[Henry Drake]

The urge to what? The urge to hurt someone.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

The urge to inflict pain, Inflict injury on someone.

[Henry Drake]

On whom? Anyone. Any person who comes into my mind.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Anyone I see or think about.

[Henry Drake]

The waitress in the cafe, my secretary, my chauffeur, my wife, my partner, a laborer, anyone. Have you ever killed anyone, Drake? No.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

No, I swear.

[Henry Drake]

Never. And I don't want to. That's why I'm here. I'm afraid. Afraid of myself. I don't want to harm anyone. I'd rather die. Would you? Yes. All right. Now you know. That's my great fear. Something's got to be done about it. You've got to help me. Very well, Drake. I'm glad you finally told me. Now I know what to do, know where to start. You. You don't think I'm going completely to pieces? Mentally, I mean. No, I don't think so. You think it's just temporary? Let's not talk about it anymore. What can I do? I want you to stay away from the business for a week. Don't go near it. Don't think about it. I want you to stay in bed as much as possible. Read something in the light vein. Put her about, if you like, in the garden. Say anything but business. At the end of the week, I want to see you again. But above all, rest. Rest your mind and your body. Yes, I understand. And you think you'll. You think that will bring me out of these spells? I think everything will turn out for the best. Thank you, Dr. Schultz. I appreciate all. Listen, I'll see you in a week. Goodbye, Mr. Drake. And Ms. Burton.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Dr. Schultz.

[Henry Drake]

Did you take down that interview, Ms. Burton?

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Doctor. I made a recording of it.

[Henry Drake]

Thank you.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

So Henry goes home and stays in bed for three days, according to the doctor's instructions. Then toward midnight of the third evening, he. His wife, Rita comes home, startled to find him gone.

[Rita Drake]

Jackson. Jackson.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, yes, Mrs. Drake.

[Rita Drake]

Jackson. Where's Mr. Drake?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Why, Mr. Drake is in his room.

[Rita Drake]

But he isn't. He's gone.

[Henry Drake]

Gone? But I didn't see him go out, ma'. Am.

[Rita Drake]

When did you see him last?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Why, it was about 9:30.

[Henry Drake]

I looked in to see if there was anything he wanted before I retired.

[Rita Drake]

What did he say? Was he dressed?

[Henry Drake]

No, ma', am, he was in bed. He said he didn't want anything and that I might as well turn in.

[Rita Drake]

Where on earth could he have gone on a rainy night like this?

[Henry Drake]

Shall I go out and try to find him, ma'? Am?

[Rita Drake]

No, no, never mind, Jackson. You can go back to bed.

[Henry Drake]

Yes.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yes, ma'.

[Henry Drake]

Am. Thank you.

[Rita Drake]

Can't imagine why on earth he'd go out when he wasn't feeling well. Hello, Phil. This is Rita. I just came in and Henry isn't here. I don't know. The butler said he saw him at 9:30 and he was in bed. Why would he go out in a storm? What reason could he possibly have? No, I don't think so. I hope he doesn't. Yes. Good night, Phil. Yes, I'll see you tomorrow evening, if possible. Good night.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

As Rita hangs up the receiver, she suddenly realizes the library door is closed. But a streak of light shows beneath it. She steps quickly to the door and opens it softly.

[Rita Drake]

Henry, what are you doing here?

[Henry Drake]

Oh, hello, Rita.

[Rita Drake]

Why aren't you in bed?

[Henry Drake]

In bed? Why, I don't know.

[Rita Drake]

Who are you phoning?

[Henry Drake]

Phoning? Oh, I was just thinking about phoning the doctor. I wanted to talk to him.

[Rita Drake]

At this hour of the night? It's 12 o'.

[Henry Drake]

Clock. 12. Yes, so it is.

[Rita Drake]

Wait till morning.

[Henry Drake]

Yes, yes. Anyway, I. I can't remember what I wanted to say to him.

[Rita Drake]

Where have you been?

[Henry Drake]

Where have I been? I haven't been any place.

[Rita Drake]

But you must have. Look at your top coat. It's soaking wet. Look at your shoes. They're muddy.

[Henry Drake]

That's strange. I don't remember having gone out. I thought I'd been sitting right here all evening.

[Rita Drake]

But it's obvious that you haven't been here all evening. You have been out. Perhaps so this is the second or third time you've come in with your shoes all muddy. Where do you go at this time of night?

[Henry Drake]

I tell you, I don't remember.

[Rita Drake]

I don't believe you.

[Henry Drake]

Whether you do or not, I don't remember where I've been.

[Rita Drake]

It's the silliest thing I ever heard of. A man like you, an intellig, walking around in his sleep.

[Henry Drake]

I couldn't have been asleep. I know that.

[Rita Drake]

Nonsense.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, don't be so impatient, Rita. I don't like this any more than you do. But I'm sure I'll be all right in a short time. Dr. Schultz will pull me out of it.

[Rita Drake]

Well, I hope so.

[Henry Drake]

Have you been out, Rita?

[Rita Drake]

Why, of course. I told you early in the evening I was going to play bridge with the Parkers.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, perhaps you did, but I don't remember that either.

[Rita Drake]

I told you just the same.

[Henry Drake]

I'm sorry, Rita. I know this must be very trying for you. It isn't very pleasant to have a man mope about the house all the time.

[Rita Drake]

Better go to bed, Henry, and get off those wet clothes.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, yes.

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[Henry Drake]

Don'T you go away for a few days? Take a little rest. I know you're terribly upset about all this, and, well, it would do you good.

[Rita Drake]

It wouldn't be exactly right for me to go away at time like this. What would people think of me?

[Henry Drake]

Who cares what people think? Go up to the mountains or down to Miami or. Well, any place. Maybe by the time you come back, I'll be all right.

[Rita Drake]

Do you want me to go?

[Henry Drake]

I don't want you to go, but I think it'd be good for you. You're becoming upset because of me, and I think you'd worry less if you got away for a few days.

[Rita Drake]

Very well. Perhaps you're right. We'll talk about it in the morning.

[Henry Drake]

All right. Good night, Rita.

[Rita Drake]

Good night.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Henry sits for a while, staring at the telephone, then gets up slowly and shuffles up the steps to his room. He pauses for a few moments before Rita's door, then goes on to his own room and goes to bed. The storm continues in its fury, and from his kennel in the backyard, Duke Rita's Airedale begins to howl. Finally, the storm subsides. Morning comes, and Henry joins Rita at breakfast.

[Rita Drake]

What's the matter, Henry? You haven't eaten a bite.

[Henry Drake]

No, I'm not hungry. I don't feel at all well this morning.

[Rita Drake]

You do look pale. I. I've never seen you so haggard.

[Henry Drake]

No.

[Rita Drake]

What's the matter with your hands?

[Henry Drake]

My hands?

[Rita Drake]

Well, yes, you. You. You keep staring at them and flexing your fingers.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, I don't know. They seem to. It feels like rheumatism.

[Rita Drake]

Have some coffee.

[Henry Drake]

Yes. Yes, I believe I will.

[Rita Drake]

There you are. Oh, good heavens. All over the floor.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, I'm sorry. I just seem to have no grip. Feeling bad. I can't even hold onto a cup. Rita. Rita, what have you decided about that trip? I wish you'd take a few days vacation.

[Rita Drake]

You sound as though you want to get rid of me.

[Henry Drake]

I'm only thinking of you.

[Rita Drake]

Very well. If you insist, I'll go up to the mountain place. Maybe it'll do us both some good. Mrs. Drake.

[Henry Drake]

Mrs. Drake.

[Rita Drake]

Jackson, what on earth are you so excited about?

[Henry Drake]

Something terrible has happened.

[Rita Drake]

Terrible? What do you mean?

[Henry Drake]

I don't know how to tell you.

[Rita Drake]

It.

[Henry Drake]

It's awful.

[Rita Drake]

What are you trying to say?

[Henry Drake]

It's Duke. You're Airedale.

[Rita Drake]

What's happened to him?

[Henry Drake]

He's dead. I just went out of the kettle to unhook his chain and. And there he was, ma'. Am.

[Rita Drake]

Oh, good heavens. Well, what happened to him?

[Henry Drake]

He's been strangled. There he was, beside his house and his tongue sticking way out. It's awful, ma'. Am.

[Rita Drake]

Strangled? But why?

[Henry Drake]

Well, maybe he got tangled up in his chain. But it didn't appear so, ma', am, that somebody did it deliberately.

[Rita Drake]

Oh, the poor fellow. I. I can't imagine such a thing.

[Henry Drake]

Wait a minute, Rita. I wouldn't go out there.

[Rita Drake]

Oh, but I must.

[Henry Drake]

Please don't. It'll just upset you. Please don't go.

[Rita Drake]

Very well. Oh, I'm just sick all over.

[Henry Drake]

Now, now, Rita, I know how you feel, and it's a shame. Jackson, tell the maid to pack Mrs. Drake's things. She's going to the mountains for a few days.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Henry Drake sits staring at his hands for a few moments, opening and closing them, opening and closing them. Then suddenly he leaves the house and rushes to Dr. Schultz's office.

[Henry Drake]

What is wrong with you, Drake? You were to come here today. After tomorrow, I had to see a doctor. Something terrible has happened. Now, now, now, now, just calm down. Calm down. Take it easy. Sit down, Drake. It happened in the night. What happened? You. My wife's dog. He was killed last night. Killed? Well, how did that happen? He was strangled.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Choked to death.

[Henry Drake]

Well, who did it?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I must have done it.

[Henry Drake]

You? Oh, come now. What makes you think that? I can't remember a thing about it. I can remember nothing of last night, but I must have done it because of my hands. What's wrong with your hands? They hurt. The muscles are terribly sore, as though I'd been doing something strenuous. I see. And look at this mark on my thumb. It's a long cut, as though something.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Sharp dragged across it.

[Henry Drake]

You mean like a tooth?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yes. Why not the dog's tooth?

[Henry Drake]

Hmm. Certainly. Does you really think you killed the dog? What do you think, doctor? Well, I suppose it's possible, but there's no proof. Could be coincidental. I don't think so. I must have done it. He never disturbed the neighbors. That I know of. Did you like the dog? Of course. I was very fond of him. Don't you see what this means? I've been afraid of something like this. Heaven knows what else I've done when I've been in these lapses. You've got to do something for me, Greg. I'm going to have to put you through all the tests. It'll take some time, but I think we can get at the root of your trouble. Don't do anything. Anything you say. We'll start right now. Ms. Burton, get Dr. Fenton. I want him to assist me in a complete examination.

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Dr. Schultz.

[Henry Drake]

Now, Drake, just relax and continue staring into this little beam of light. We want you to answer these questions as quickly as possible. Yes. You're crossing a street. An automobile suddenly bears down upon you. You see? Yes. In an effort to save yourself, you jump out of the way. Yes. You jump forward or backward. Why backward? Why, I can jump backward quicker than I can forward. Repeat after me as rapidly as possible. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9. You have no children? No. But you are married? Yes. Suppose you had a child. You come home at night and discover your house is on fire. Your wife and child are alone, asleep on the second floor. Will you try to rescue them first or call the fire department? I call the fire department. I see. Get all that with the timing, Ms. Burton?

[Rita Drake]

Yes, Doctor.

[Henry Drake]

Now, Drake, keep your eyes on the black dot. Follow it closely. That moves. I'm going to call out a series of words. As I call them, you will answer the word or phrase suggested by what I say. Yes. Green. Grass. Roses. Funeral. Orange. Sunset. Honeysuckle. Home. Violets. White. Red. Blood. Dog. Hands. Auto. Wreck. Rain. Mud. Love. Hate. Very well, drake. Rest for 10 minutes and we'll proceed to the next test. How do your hands feel? Huh? Oh, about the same. All right. Come with me, Ms. Burton.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

So on through the day, at various intervals, the psychiatrist continues his examination. And finally, Drake goes home completely exhausted. For an hour or two he dozes in the library. And about 9:30, Jackson, the butler, steps into the room.

[Henry Drake]

Beg pardon, sir. Huh? Oh. Where have you been, Jackson? Why, no one was here, sir. I went over to visit my brother for a few hours. Where's Mrs. Drake? Why, she's going to Miami for a few days, sir. Said to tell you she thought she'd better go today. Took the six o' clock train this evening. Oh, I see.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Anything you want, sir?

[Henry Drake]

No, no, you. You can turn in if you like. Yes, thank you, sir. Good night. Good night.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Henry sits staring into the dark for almost an hour. Then slowly he rises as if in a daze, puts on his hat and coat, slips out of the house and starts to walk about in the night. Finally he comes to an apartment house, climbs to the top floor and knocks on the door.

[Henry Drake]

Henry, what are you doing here? I want to talk to you, Phil. Oh, come in. What's the matter with you? Sit down. I don't want to sit down. Just as you like. What do you want to talk about? You have your bags packed? Are you going someplace? Why, yes. I'm driving down to Boston for a week on business. On business? Yes, on business. I tried to reach you today but was unable to. What on earth's wrong with you? What are you staring at? You sure you're going to Boston? Certainly I'm sure. What are you laughing about? You aren't going to Boston. I know where you're going. I tell you, I'm going to Boston. I don't believe you. What are you talking about? Rita's gone to Miami. Why don't you go to Miami, too? Wouldn't you like that better? I think that'd be very jolly. For heaven's sake, stop this nonsense. Is Rita here? Certainly not. Why should she be here, I wonder. Couldn't you think of any reason? I think you're out of your mind. Do you really? You certainly act like it. Oh, but I'm not. I'm perfectly sane. Oh, crazy people think they're sane. Maybe I am crazy, but I don't feel crazy. I'm perfectly normal. You better go home. You're in no condition to be wandering around. Where's Rita? I don't know where Rita is. She hasn't been here? No. You're lying, Phil. She has been here. That's ridiculous. Look here in the ashtray. One of Rita's special made cigarettes. Why, I put that there. I thought I'd try them. Really? When did you take to using lipstick, Phil? All right, she was here. But she left to catch a train at 6 o'. Clock. And you'll catch the next one, is that it? She came here to talk about you. She's terribly upset about your condition. She thinks. Well. Well, what does she think? She's become afraid of you. Oh, has she? And what caused that? Well, she. Why wouldn't she be upset? You've been acting like a lunatic. She thinks you killed her dog. Did you? I don't remember. Maybe I did. I've got to hurry. My train leaves in half an hour. There's no train for Boston for three hours. But the train to Miami leaves in half an hour. You Better go home, Henry. Why don't you admit it? Why lie about it? You're meeting her in Miami. Get out of here. You and Rita are in love. I know it. I've known it for weeks and weeks.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Last night I found out for sure.

[Henry Drake]

You're crazy.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Maybe I am.

[Henry Drake]

But I heard you both talking on the phone. She didn't know. I was listening in on the extension in the library. I heard you agree to meet at a certain time.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

That's what I've been waiting for.

[Henry Drake]

Now I know. All right. All right? What of it? Well, you've been acting as enough to make any woman dislike you.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Oh, so you admit it.

[Henry Drake]

Yes. Now get out of here. Henry, put away that gun. All right, I'm gonna leave it right here. When I'm through with it, I'm going to kill you. You insane fool. You can't get away with a thing like this. You can't prove anything about Rita and me.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

They'll hang you.

[Henry Drake]

I don't think so. Don't you remember? I'm crazy. I'll fix you. Police department. Go ahead, call them. That's fine. Hello, this is Phil Putnam, Rexley Apartments. There's a madman in my room. She's trying to kill me straight. What a shame, Phil, you've missed the train.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Well, it's all over, Henry. You can sit down now and wait for the police. You won't have any more mental lapses.

[Henry Drake]

Now, will you, Henry?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You won't need to. A slick job, Henry, and very beautifully planned. Everyone knows about your mental lapses, your illness, your desire to harm people. Rita knows about the dog. Your secretary knows about the contracts. And most important of all, Dr. Schultz knows that you been suffering from a mental disorder for weeks.

[Henry Drake]

Oh, there'll be a trial.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Your plea will be insanity. You go away for a while, and then all of a sudden you'll be cured and walk out a free man.

[Henry Drake]

Now we're in the courtroom.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Dr. Schultz, the psychiatrist, is speaking.

[Henry Drake]

Mr. Drake came to me with his trouble some weeks ago. Later, Dr. Fenton and I psychoanalyzed him thoroughly. Here is a signed statement of our findings at that time, attached to our findings as of yesterday. Henry Drake was then and is now absolutely sane. The whole thing was a plan to escape the death penalty for premeditated murder.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Well, there you go, Henry. The whole thing blew up in your face. A beautiful plan gone haywire. You should have spent less time thinking about your revenge, Henry, and more time studying psychology. Too bad.

[Henry Drake]

Foreign CBS has presented the Whistler original Music for this production is composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Whistler is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Next Sunday, 9:15 I the Whistler will return to tell you the strange story of death in the morning.

[Henry Drake]

Good night. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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